Anne Gracie does a great job building this nineteenth century tale of the English aristocracy and the total disregard many had for the feelings of people they used. Nell and Harry are superb as two people much different than those who consider themselves their betters. They've both grown to be able to inspire loyalty and give of themselves to those around them. Their friends are the cream of the crop in those times.

Ms. Gracie gives us so many great characters. From the vicar to Cooper the maid, Aunt Maude, Ethan, Tibby, Luke, Rafe and many others add something special to the flavor of the story. The author's style, dialogue and ability to paint both sensual and heartbreaking scenarios are all excellent.

Nell's father and his addiction, foundling homes, baby brokers, a vicious first love are all sad parts pieces of the book that still help us to know how far they've come from the lives they could have been living. Like all great books this one gets us involved emotionally to laugh, shed some tears and hope for the best that can happen for the characters who feel so real. It's a fast moving pace from cover to cover that I'll bet you'll hate to put down.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Mildly sensual

Reviewer: Dee Dailey
October 23, 2008